Puerto Rico are currently ranked 18th in the world and
this will be their fourth appearance at the FIVB World Grand Prix, all of which
have come in the last five editions.

Former assistant Rafael Olazagasti takes over as coach
with the hope to build on Puerto Rico’s encouraging performances in recent
years which have seen them finish 13th, 11th and 10th in the FIVB’s prestigious
annual women’s event.

At the same time, Puerto Rico have been growing,
although not improving in results, at the FIVB World Championships with a 10th,
15th and 17th-place results in the last three editions.

Puerto Rico qualified for this year’s tournament after
defeating Canada and Peru for the second consecutive year, to finish sixth at
the Pan American Cup in Mexico.

With key players such as Sarai Alvarez, captain from
last year Vilmarie Mojica and the most experienced Aurea Cruz named in the
squad, there is hope that Olazagasti and Co can continue the outstanding World
Grand Prix experience Puerto Rico has experienced over the past five years or
so.

Rafael 'Epique' Olazagasti makes his debut
this year as head coach of women's team. He is one the most successful
coaches in Puerto Rico having attained wins in the National League Championships
for both men and women.

During the 2012 World Grand Prix, Olazagasti assisted
coach of David Aleman (now coach of the men’s national team). “The goal in this
year is to work hard each weekend and finish in a better position in each pool
per week,” said Olazagasti.

Since the beginning of the 2013 season,
Olazagasti win-loss ratio currently stands at 4-2 in official competition.